People ask me why the Paul Gauguin instead of a bigger, flashier ship, and the answer is mostly in how she's built. She was designed for French Polynesia specifically, shallow enough to reach lagoons big ships can't, small enough at around 330 guests to feel like a private yacht rather than a floating town. I've walked every deck of her. The thing that sells it for me isn't a single feature, it's that nothing aboard fights against the destination. The ship gets out of the way and lets the islands do the work.
Built small on purpose
At roughly 330 guests she's a fraction of the size of a mainstream cruise ship, and that's the whole design idea. She can anchor close to islands the big ships pass by, tendering is quick, and you're never queuing behind two thousand people to get ashore. Aboard, the scale means the crew learns your name by day two. That intimacy is engineered, not accidental.
The marina off the stern
My favourite design touch is the retractable watersports marina at the back of the ship. They fold it down and you step straight off into the lagoon, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling, no tender ride to a separate beach. For a part of the world that's all about the water, having the ocean accessible right off the stern is exactly right. I've spent whole afternoons there between port days.Spaces that match the South Pacific
The cabins are generous and most have a view of the water, and the public rooms, the three restaurants, the open decks, are sized so you always find a quiet corner. L'Etoile, La Veranda, and Le Grill give you three distinct dining moods without the ship feeling sprawling. It's a layout that suits long, slow island days rather than constant onboard entertainment, which is what these waters call for.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Paul Gauguin?
She carries about 330 guests, small for a cruise ship. That size is the main reason she can reach lagoons and anchorages larger ships can't.
What is the marina on the ship?
It's a watersports platform that folds down off the stern, so you can kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel straight from the ship when she's at anchor.
Are the cabins a good size?
Yes, staterooms are roomy by cruise standards and most look out over the water. I can walk you through the categories to match your budget.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.